Programs & Courses

 

Accredited

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756

Tel: 727.210.2350

and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Certified Private Vocational Institution through The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Adult Echocardiography, AOS

  • The competency-based Program is eighteen (18) months.
  • You select one of the Cardiovascular specialties at time of application.
  • Programs are offered once per year in January.
  • The Program is full time, days.
  • The 1st semester is 3 days per week.  The second through 4th semester is 3.5 to 5 days per week.
  • Small student to faculty ratio.
  • Clinical exposure is in advanced technology settings.
  • 100% passage on certification tests - 2010
  • Average salary for Adult Echocardiography Technologists - $45K-$55K annually.
  • Tuition, Fees, and Expenses
Special Bulletins:

Associate of Occupational Science in Adult Echocardiography 

 

Echocardiography is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for heart disease. It is the use of standard ultrasound; using ultrasonic waves to visualize and to gather data about the structure and function of the cardiac chambers, valves and vessels leading to and from the heart. This test is non-invasive and is called an echocardiogram.  An echocardiogram is performed in a one on one setting in a hospital or outpatient facility by an adult echocardiographer. 

As an Adult Echocardiographer there are multiple types of tests that you will learn to perform or assist the physician to perform: 

Transthoracic echocardiogram: Two-dimensional and three- dimensional images are obtained to evaluate the structure of the heart, color flow Doppler assesses blood flow through the heart and spectral Doppler is used to estimate pressures with in the heart. These modalities are used to determine the presence of cardiac diseases such as valvular regurgitation/stenosis, infection of the heart valves and tumors.  It is also very helpful in evaluating the muscle of the heart and congenital heart defects. Once the echocardiographer obtains the necessary images, he/she is responsible for creating a preliminary report for the doctor to review with the images.  

Transesophageal echocardiogram: This test requires that the transducer be inserted down the throat into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) by the cardiologist. Because the esophagus is located close to the heart, clear images of the heart structures can be obtained without the interference of the lungs and chest. The echocardiographer will assist the physician during this test by optimizing the images, making required measurements and recording all of the information necessary for a complete test. 

Stress echocardiogram: This is an echocardiogram that is performed while a patient exercises on a treadmill or is given medication to raise his/her heart rate. This test can be used to visualize the motion of the heart's walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed. It may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests. The echocardiogram is performed just prior to and immediately following the exercise or infusion of medication. The echocardiographer obtains the necessary images for the physician to view. 

Adult Echocardiography students at Sentara College of Health Sciences are provided training in the classroom and skills lab located the main campus in Chesapeake.  Students also receive an extensive clinical rotation at several hospitals that specialize in cardiovascular procedures.

Your Exceptional Learning Experience:

  • Your Learning Experience is like no other. With 62 semester credits, 525 lecture, 90 skills lab and 1,125 clinical hours you will be well prepared with the competence and confidence you need to work as an Adult Echocardiography Technologist.
  • First semester - all students begin with foundation courses in medical terminology, patient care concepts, cardiac hemodynamics and anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac and vascular systems.  The semester is three days per week and is 16 weeks.
  • Second, third and fourth semesters – students begin the first of three semesters of classroom and clinical experiences in the chosen specialty.  The last three semesters are 3.5 to 4 days per week, full time.  The second semester is 13 weeks in the summer, third semester is 15 weeks in the fall, and the last semester is 16 weeks in the spring.
  • Advanced placement is available to students who qualify.  See below for additional details.
  • On-line courses are part of the didactic learning experience.
  • Graduates are awarded an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Cardiovascular Technology and are eligible to take a registry examination offered American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).  Licensure and certification for entry into practice is not required for this health profession, however, many employers require staff to become credentialed after a pre-determined period of employment.  The College submits applications for exams for each graduate who then have one year to sit for the exam.  This Program is a terminal occupational/technical program and credits generally earned in this Program are not applicable to other degree.
  • Please refer to Amercian Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers for more specifics on exam requirements.

General Education Course Requirements:

A minimum of ten (10) of the following prerequisite credits must be completed prior to submitting an application for admission. All prerequisites must be completed at an accredited institution with a “C” or better prior to starting the Program.  Prerequisites are not offered at Sentara College of Health Sciences. Full acceptance decisions may not be made until all required prerequisite courses are completed.

If you are unsure of an acceptable general education/prerequisite course, please contact the College before registering at Request More Information

Additional information about Allied Health general education course requirements: 

High School Level-Diploma or equivalent
College LevelSemester Credits
Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab5-8
College Algebra3
Physics w/lab4
Chemistry w/lab4

Useful Links:

Advanced Placement Options:

Eligible Students:

  • Registered Sonographers in either of the ultrasound curriculums.
  • Registered Radiologic Technologists certified in cardiovascular technology in the invasive curriculum.
  • Cardiovascular Technology graduates from the College who are seeking a second specialty.

General Information Concerning Advanced Placement:

  • When considering awarding credit for advanced placement, the College uses factors such as transcripts, verification of employment, years of experience, and references.
  • For comprehensive details on all Advanced Placement guidelines, to include course specific challenge requirements visit the College Catalog.
  • Before consideration for advanced placement, applicants must meet Program admission requirements and be admitted into the respective Program.
  • The Allied Health Admissions Committee will review the applicant file to determine best course of action for the applicant.
  • All required paperwork must be submitted prior to the Allied Health Admissions Committee review. Transfer credits are considered credit from other institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditations (CHEA).
  • Admission to a particular course/semester is contingent upon available space in the course for which the student is requesting to enter. Placement availability will be determined by the Program Official.
  • If you are considering and feel you qualify for Advanced Placement, attend an Academic Planning & Information Session or set an individual appointment with Jennie Pond at jkpond@sentara.com .